PhoneLifespan

Samsung Galaxy J4 (2018)

Avoid buyingValue Score 40/100
$40
used/refurbished market price
$160 at launch

By Muhammad Tahir · Updated June 2026 · how we review

How long will it last?

Our estimate

Supported until May 2021 · Buy-by May 2019

0
days
00
hrs
00
min
00
sec
2018◆ Buy-by May 20192021

Apple doesn't publish an end date, but iPhones have a consistent ~3-year update track record — on that basis the Galaxy J4 (2018) should be supported until around May 2021. Buying it today still gets you about -5.2 years of safe use, and Apple's written legal minimum is 5 years (verified June 2026).

Source: Samsung's official policy · last verified 2026-06-12 · how we compute this

Is the Galaxy J4 (2018) worth buying in 2026?

No — its software support has already ended. It no longer receives security updates; see the safer alternatives below.

Our verdict

An entry-level AMOLED phone with a slow quad-core chip and no remaining support.

Pros

  • Super AMOLED screen rare at this rock-bottom price
  • Decent 3000mAh battery life
  • Simple, easy-to-use Samsung software

Cons

  • Weak quad-core Exynos 7570 struggles with multitasking
  • Single camera and no updates since around 2021
Best for: Very tight budgets needing a basic AMOLED phoneBest for: First phones for kids or seniorsAvoid if: You need security updatesAvoid if: You run more than light apps

Full specifications

Display

💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).

Screen5.5-inch Super AMOLED, 720 x 1280 (HD), 60Hz
Performance

💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.

ChipsetSamsung Exynos 7570 Quad
RAM2GB / 3GB
Storage16GB / 32GB
Cameras

💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.

main13MP
front5MP
Battery & charging

💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.

Battery3,000 mAh
Charging5W wired (microUSB)
Build

💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.

Dimensions151.7 × 76.9 × 7.9 mm
Weight175 g
MaterialsPlastic build
Water resistanceNone
Software & connectivity

💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.

SoftwareAndroid 8.0 Oreo with Samsung Experience at launch
Connectivity4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microUSB, 3.5mm jack
Update policy~1 years of updates (our estimate from Samsung's track record — written minimum is 5 years)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the Galaxy J4 (2018) get updates?

It is end-of-life. The J4 received a single update to Android 9 and stopped getting patches around 2021.

Is the Galaxy J4 fast enough?

Only for basic use. Its quad-core Exynos 7570 and as little as 2GB RAM make it slow with anything demanding.

Can I still use a Galaxy J4 today?

It handles calls, messaging and light browsing, but the absence of security updates makes it unsafe for sensitive accounts.

How does the Galaxy J4 charge, and is it cheap to buy now?

It charges slowly over the older microUSB port at just 5W, so its 3000mAh battery takes a while to fill. On the used market it now sells for around $40, down from a $160 launch price.

Compare it

Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-12.